Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Lizard-Flathead.
Friday's forecast calls for flurries at upper elevations. Check out our Cold and Snowy spring scenario for detailed guidance on managing these conditions.
Confidence
Low - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
Thursday Night: Mainly cloudy. Light southwest winds. Alpine high temperatures around +1 with freezing levels to 2200 metres.
Friday: Cloudy with flurries bringing 5-10 cm new snow to higher elevations. Rain below about 1700 metres. Southwest winds increasing from light to strong over the day. Alpine high temperatures around 0 with freezing levels to 2000 metres.
Saturday: Cloudy with flurries bringing about 5-10 cm of new snow. Rain below about 1500 metres. Moderate to strong southwest winds. Alpine high temperatures around -2 with freezing levels to 1700 metres.
Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud. Moderate northeast wind. Alpine high temperatures around -3 with freezing levels to 1500 metres.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in the region. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
In most places a combination of rain and warm temperatures has likely made the surface snow moist or wet. High elevation alpine and especially north aspects may still hold dry snow. If there has been a good overnight freeze, you may find a supportive crust on the surface. The mid and lower snowpack pack are likely a mixture of moist snow and crusts. Below treeline the snowpack has melted or is isothermal.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow accumulating through the day combined with primarily southwest winds is likely to create fresh wind slabs in the lee of terrain features.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
Rain at lower elevations will keep the surface snow moist or wet and promote sluffing in steep terrain.
- A moist/wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches all indicate increased instability.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5